Teddy bear helps fill void left by Sunnyside student battling cancer

A 10-year-old Lafayette boy is in a battle for his life. Landyn Griffith was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.

Posted: Feb 7, 2018 6:54 PM

Posted By: Samantha Thieke

Photo Gallery 1 Images

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -- A 10-year-old Lafayette boy is in a battle for his life. Landyn Griffith was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.

Griffith is described as outgoing and the class clown. Now that he's undergoing cancer treatment in Indianapolis, his school mates are filling the void left by his absence.

"He doesn't change even though he knows what's going on," said Griffith's older brother, Kaidyn Griffith. "He's still like really funny and stuff."

Griffith isn't letting cancer get him down.

"Even though he knows what's happening and he can't walk, he's still making jokes and everything," said older sister, Allysha Griffith.

However, his absence is noticeable at Sunnyside Intermediate School.

"It's been really hard knowing both what he's been going through and what the family is going through and knowing that he doesn't deserve any of this," said his 5th grade teacher, Kim Moore.

Griffith was diagnosed with brain cancer last week, and he hasn't been in school since the beginning of January.

"He's a huge part of our class," Moore explained.The classroom is not the same without him."

But Griffith's seat hasn't stayed empty.

"They have really stepped up their game in showing support for Landyn and everything he's going through and that's something that they want to do," Moore said.

A teddy bear is taking Griffith's place until he returns.

Where the class goes, Landyn the bear goes too, and the furry friend is helping the students cope with missing their buddy.

"He makes everybody laugh," said classmate Avanna Corwin.

While the bear helps, it's no match for Griffith's big personality.

"The class isn't the same without you," said Corwin. "We all miss you and I hope you liked all of the letters that we gave you."

"I miss you," said classmate Max Ramirez. "I want you to come back, but just take your time and be strong."

Griffith isn't the only one getting letters from his classmates.

His uncle, Trevor Martin, is working to get him a very special hospital visitor. The 10-year-old is an avid baseball player and fan, especially when it comes to the Chicago Cubs.

Even if it's not an actual in-person visit, he's trying to get someone from the Cubs' roster to say hello through a letter or even Facetime.

"He's the type of boy that you just want to rally around," said Martin. "If you've ever been around the kid, he's happy go lucky. He makes friends with anybody and everybody. It doesn't matter who you are, he'll be friends with you."

Martin encourages everyone to reach out to the Chicago Cubs. He said while Griffith's spirits are up right now, this would mean the world to him.

You can also make a difference for Griffith's family.

A chili supper fundraiser will be held at Sunnyside Intermeditate School at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18.Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children.

COVID-19 Important links and resources

As the spread of COVID-19, or as it's more commonly known as the coronavirus continues, this page will serve as your one-stop for the resources you need to stay informed and to keep you and your family safe. CLICK HERE

Closings related to the prevention of the COVID-19 can be found on our Closings page.